Display machinery



March 2L 1939. o. H. scHOENBERGl-:R

DISPLAY MACHINERY Filed Jan. 4, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet l jfl INVENTOR O. H. SCHOENBERGER March 21, 1939.

DISPLAY MACHINERY Filed Jan. 4, 1936 5 sheets-sheet 47 Lal M1 lINVENTOR March 21, .1939. o. H. scHoENBE-RGER 5 SheetsmSheet I3 DISPLAY MACHINERY Filed Jan. 4, 1936 M I 1|| W @EN h mmmj l 0 R O T N E V m IIll-:ISII:

March 21, 1939. 0, H, SCHQENBERGER 2,151,303

DISPLAY MACHINERY Filed Jan. 4, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 1 NEZD AT Hanf INVENTOR.

March 2l, 1939.

O. H. SCHOENBERGER DI SPLAY MACHINERY l 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 4, 1956 Q www5 6 PP ovl WMM INVENTOR.

Patented Mar. 21, 1939 UNITED .l STATES PATENT oFFicE DISPLAY MACHINERY Otto Henry Schoenberger, Compton, Calif. Application January 4, 1936, Serial No. 57,631

21 Claims. (CL 40-30) My invention relates to a means whereby actual concrete `items of merchandise or objects are displayed or demonstrated and described, or sold in displays, by automatic machinery;

By being sold in displays I mean that the true inherent values of the objects are to be imparted or conveyed in thoughts to the minds of the prospective customers in such a way that the prospective customers will obtain a true clear understanding of those values and will want to buy the objects so offered to them, fair price for them.

My main object is to provide efficient economical machinery for mass marketing purposes to correlate with mass production, mass transportation and mass communication, and mass government; `which machinery can be scientifically operated to coordinate the functions of object displaying with signs and sound, in integral psychological applications thereof.

This main object is divided into more specic objects: (l) to-provide an economical effective honest coordinated versatile psychological sales power; (2) to provide adaptable means for handling a wide choice of worthy items with this sales power, to give the public opportunity for personal and eilicient, wise, buying-selectivity; (3) to provide honest efficient means for the public to educate itself on the actual values and the merits of worthy merchandise; (4) to provide adaptable means for meeting stores requirements universally; (5) to provide light-weight space-eilioient practical equipment for mobile use; (6) to provide adjustabley or designable psychologic features for exacting scientic application; and (7) to provide for quick and easy changeovers for creating new setups of the displays.

Obviously the underlying principles of this type of machinery are: First, 'to attract the attention of the buying, shopping trafflc--the location, size, proportions, harmony of proportions, appearance, background, height, lighting; motions and accelerations and decelerations thereof, thespeed,

the type of store, the machines audibility, its

special attraction features, and so on, all take from or add to the significance of the display and its attraction. If it has attracted a healthy shopping crowd thenv the subsequent feature becomes important.

Second, the crowd must be cared for-the crowd must not block the sidewalk, it must not threaten to push in the windows, it must not be forced to crane and strain; everyone Within reasonable distance should see the vital display from and to pay a e general psychology, and the audible sales talk givl0 en by my machinery are now salient features to the performance of the sale. Now the concrete worthy ideas must flow, from the machinery to the prospective customers. There must now be compelling concentration, and the sale must be closed as much as possible, with dignity.

Fourth, the sound of the sales .talks must be clearly modulated and focused and distributed to reach all of the customers within the machinerys range of view of the display, and this sound must not extend to disturb neighboring places of buslness or to be a public nuisance.

Fifth, the display must be sufiiciently intriguing `with quality and its expression, with value and with attractive ideas, to take a fair percentage of the prospects in as customers. The quality and fair price and merit must themselves be good in order to emanate the display results, therefore another underlying principle is the genuine reliability factor upon which the public can rely, upon which sales can be repeated with confidence. One form and expression of this invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 to 25. In the description following, their cooperation, versatility, psychologie functions, timing, and coordinations, will be shown, in which:

Figures 1, 2, and 3 are top views of the article carrying magazine to show the space-efficiency and the operation of the article supporting sections in said magazine; Fig. 4 is a top view of 'an l article support; Fig. 5, a sectional elevation of an article support; Figure 6, a top view of the display element chassis; Fig. '7,va side elevation of this chassis; Fig. 8, an end elevation of this chassis; Fig. 9, an elevation of an elevator mechanism that may be employed in this arrangement; Fig.v 10, a gear transmission used to drive a display turntable; Fig. 11, a top View of a rotary detent for operating said transmission; Fig. 12, a bottom 5'0 view of a reciprocating mechanismused in said transmission; Fig. 13, an automatic gear shifter for controlling said transmission; Figure 14 shows a front elevation of the apparatus set up, showing the chassis in a foldable case with sign mechapawls designated, which nism, coordinating switch, closure mechanism and psychological testing cards, to be described; Fig. 15 shows a top plan view of the folding case,

with its closure and sign mechanisms; Figure 16,

20, a plan view of a manuscript synchronizing apparatus; Fig. 21, an end view of said synchronir-l ing apparatus; Fig. 22, a plan of a special electrical distributor; Fig. 23, a cross-sectional view of said distributor; Figure 24, a wiring diagram; andFigure 25, a perspective view of the apparatus on location in public service.

In order that the fuller conception of this invention may be surmised the mechanical details should be jointly understood with the psychological principles where such principles apply, to derive how the psychologie functions may be performed by the mechanical means provided, in the detailed description following:

The panel I (Fig. 1) has a rectangular horizontal plane surface bounded by abutments 5, and a continuous slot 4. Panel I is divided into ten areas: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J, which are hereafter termed stages. Each stage except one, is covered with an article support 2, the series of these article supports being designated severally as a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, and i.

The article supports 2 are arranged to be guided `by the abutments 5, and-the dogs` I in the slot or raceway 4. Under the panel I is an actuating mechanism (Figs. 1 and 6) which operates-pawls 8, 9, I0, and-II, which pawls engage on the dogs 1 respectively, and pull the article supports 2 from stage to stage successively in the alphabetical order of the stages, or anti-clockwise on the panel I. 8', 9', III" and II' are the opposite positions of the respective pawls reciprocate, viz,

Stage A is regarded as the 'psychologicallyactive stage, hereafter called the active stage. 'Ihe supports 2 are successively brought into the active stage, in the order a, b, c, and so on, and are each and severally put through a special performance, while inthe activestage, to demonstrate or dramatize merchandise or objects which are carried by the supports 2.

While in the active stage the supports 2 are elevated to display view, by means of elevator 3 which operates in timely reciprocal vertical psychologie motions, raising one support in display, there displaying the object carried, and then returning the support downward .to pick up another by means of a positive transfer means provided.

It will be noted that nine supportsr 2 are closely positioned, with but one vacant space enabling the'travel of theA supports on the panel I; en-

abling space efciency and rectangular proportions'as shown inthe drawings; See Fig. 1. Pawl 8 moves to 8', gripping the f dog'l of support c, moving c from H to I (as perdotted lines, stage I). Note the clearance, for. this action, between I and J. The actuating mechanism then moves pawl II) to the position llljmoving a row of supports, lplacing d inH', e inf G, f in'F, and g in stageE. The hump I2 on the inside of the abutment 5 'causes the article support in H to tilt sidewise for subsequently steering this article support into the next stage I. Stage D is now vacant, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2. In Fig. 2 note the clearances, exaggeratedbetween stages D and E, and on both sides of A. Now pawl 9 moves forvvard from 9', to its reciprocal extreme (as of Fig. l) moving h into D,and C is now vacated. Incidentally a has been performing in the active stage during these movements of the article supports designated, and the support b is next transferred to A, and a to B, as is shown being done in Fig. 3 at this time-the actuating mechanism moves pawl II from II to the ll-position, moving c, b, a, and forward (Fig.'3)y', 'and b is then in stage A. Clearances on both sides of A (Fig. 2) are automatically made by the actuating mechanism, to allow the supports in this stage to clear J and B for the elevator operation clearance. panel I, which are not shown in the drawings, lock the supports v2 from working backward at the stages B, D, E, I, and J; these pawls are arranged to let the dogs 'I bypass.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the article supports construction which is formed'to comprise a tray or holder for holding pads, upon which pads the objects to be displayed are mounted. The dogs l are centrally and perpendicularly affixed or secured to the article supports, as shown,

Pawls of music wire, secured under the to follow in the slot 4, and washers I3 secured on dog l, as shown, lock the supports yin thev slot. The recess I4 (Fig. 1) provides means for changing or removing the supports, since the washer I3 will pass therethrough. I

Refer to Fig. 6, on which, for description, panel I is to be regarded as transparent, the abutment 5 and slot 4 being in evidence. Dogs 'I are shown in all positions, without showing the supports 2 which are assumed 01T of the panel. The elevator 3 is now shown flush with the panel I, and aligned with the continuous slot 4. The levers to the pawls, and arrangement of the actuating mechanism,fas further shown in Figures 7 and 8, are shown. Note that the posts 2B support the panel I on the base 25. I

'Ihe levers I5-I5, secured to a shaft I 6 pivotally mounted on the base 25, operate the pawls 8 and 8 in unison, andv are oilset as shown in Fig. 8. The pawls I0 and II are mounted on a member I 'I mounted to slide reciprocaily on guided shafts I8 and I9, the shaft I8 carrying pawl I0 being adjustably clamped to the member I1. To provide the clearances, referred to previously, on both sides ofv stage A, the iingers 20 and 2| are pivotally mounted under the panel I, and actuatedin timely manner by the pins 22 and 23 which are adjustably secured on member I'I,.as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. vFinger 2I has a return-spring; 20 does not require a spring return.

See Figure 7. A bracket 21 has a bearing with a shaft 28 to which shaft is secured,` by key, an elevator cam 29, which cam acts in engagement with aroller 30 and thusoperates a bellcrank '3I, which bellcrank 3I isfpivotally mounted on 25. These levers and bellcrank are preferably made of Duralumin to reduce weight, and lever 35 more preferably is of hardwood to absorb and break vibrations. A lmember 39, in the form of a crotch, is secured to the top vof tube 38, and serves to guide the upper end of the tube between the vertically-held guide rods 65, 65; and has a thrust bearing for an elevator turntable 3, Fig. 9, which platform 3 has the slot 4 coincidentally arranged therethrough. y The portion 40 of platform 3 revolubly bears on crotch 39; ball bearings might be used but are not necessary.

On the bellcrank 3| is a hump .or roller 4I,

straight line motion say of about 13 or more inches for an inch of cam drop, may be produced on an elevator which lowers to exchange the supports 2; and is capable of carrying merchandise to the top of its stroke, holding it there, and then lowering the article support of merchandise for an exchange. The cam curves are changeable, and attached adjustable humps may be used, hence the-motions on the elevator actions arev psychologically adjustable.

In conjunction with the elevator motions, the lever 34 operates an adjustable rod 46 connected by universal `joints to bellcrank 41, which bellcrank 41 changes the vertical motions to crosswise horizontal by means of link 48, to operate when the elevator is lowered stage C is vacated,-

levers I5, I5, and thereby pawls 8 and 9 are operated, as shown in Fig. 8. Both end levers I5, I5, on shaft I6 coact with the elevator, and thus,

and when they elevator is raised stage H is vacated, in the timely relation heretofore described, to provide successive transfers of the article supports.

Mounted securely, to cam 29 is cam 49, by three screws as shown. Cam 49 has a positive hump 5I, secured to cam 29. The roller 5II is engaged, as-a cam follower, on cam 49, so that lever 52 which pivots on pin 32 is driven, driving the connecting rod 53, and the member I1, operating pawls I and I I in timely relation with the actions of the pawls on the levers I5, I5, so that the article supports will be shifted-through the stages over the panel I as before described.

Pin 54 projects downwardly, adjustably secured on member I1, Fig. 7. Pin 54 projects through 'a slot in the end of the rack 55, which rackL is supported in a guide 56. Screw 51 is an endplay adjustment to limit the play of pin 54 in the said slot, or is an end adjustment of the rack application. The guide 56 is supported on bracket 21. The gear 58 is in engagement with .the rack. As the member I1 reciprocates the rack 55 rotates the gear 58 back and forth, on the shaft 59, driving the ratchet coupling 60, so that the motion imparted to the lower part ofshaft 59 is in one direction only, driving the -gears 6| during the time the elevator is up, during which time the row of rear supports 2 -are being moved, in clearing stage D. A telescopic shaft 66 extends from gear 6I (Fig. 9), up through the tube 38 to the elevator platform member 3, or

to member 40 thereof, so that said platform has connected means for providing the turntable action.

Conical dowels 63 on trip levers, as shown in Fig. 9, protrude up through holes in the platform 3 to engage and lock thearticle supports 2 upon said platform, which article supports have conical recesses 64 (Figs. 4 and 5) for receiving the dowels. Springs normally keep the dowelsv 63 in locked position but when the platform 3 is down ush with panel I the dowel levers have been interposed by blocks 1I and the supports 2 are released and transferred, While so unlocked in stage A.

The table or platform 3 has collector rings 15, on member 40 thereof, wired to insulated contacts supported in the .table 3 which are in contact with electrical contacts 2| 0 and 2II when the article support (Fig. ison said platform 3. Wiring 16 extends down along the tube 38 and along the levers to transformers or to the wiring terminal block. Contacts 2I0 and 2II are convenience outlets so that in this way the article supports are energized for ready individual hookups, for demonstration purposes.

To lock the platform 3 from turning, when the elevator is in operation as an elevator, a projecting catch 69 secured to revoluble member 4U is caught and held by a latch 1I), which'latch holds catch 69 in a niche under spring pressure, and is operably mounted on a prong of crotch 39. To restrict the article supports from going past the center of platform 3, when being transferred to said platform, the music-wire prong 68 subtends, stopping the dogs 1 as said dogs reach the center of said platform.

In Fig. 9, the elevator is bared to View in its elongated position, showing a partial interior view of the machine, lwith merchandise objects /I42, comprising an electricall searchlight with a doll, on an article support in stage J, which is just on the other side of the elevator in this view. Guide rods 65, 65, are secured to a frame II3, (Fig. l5). Between these guide rods, and between stages J and B is the elevator shaft; merchandise |42 has adequate. room and clearance to enter this elevator shaft and to be elevated; and "when elevated can be rotated on the platform 3. I'he objects can then descend and pass on the next stage, B. Note the U-irons' 6 which bridge the slot or raceway 4 to hold the panel I lin one piece, four such U-irons are shown in Fig. 6. 'I'he telescopic shaft 66 is made of lengths of square tubing telescopically interlocked, and these have oiling means when they dip into horn oil in the chamber 14. Note the construction of the panel I where the legs of the crotch 39 drop into recesses to permit the platform 3 to become flush with panel I for the transfer of objects from and to the elevator. The clip 61 is a stop-member to prevent gears 6| from lifting out of their lower bearing.

Figures 9 and 10. A gear box 12 is adaptably mounted in the shaft line 59, and provides means for automatic or manual settings to procure spe- .cial' appropriate motions to the turntable 3-in this case the motions are for high speed, low speed, neutral, and reciprocating motion.

A spring pressure brake 19 holds the lower section of shaft 59 so that ratchet disturbance is not communicated to the shaft. The ratchet is driven which drives the shaft 80, which shaft 80 has gears 84 and 85 and crank 81 secured to it as shown. A sliding gear-block 86 comprising high and low gears, slide clutch collar and clutch means is splined to shaft 83. A crank 88 with a complemental opposite portion of said clutch means is mounted freely orf-shaft B3. Connecting rod 89 connects both cranks, Figure 12. Shift lever 13 is operably connected to collar 86 and operated by a rod 90, which rod 90 facilitates control of the turntable mechanism, as to the actions to be generated thereby. Reciprocal motions and the extent thereof is dependent on the ratio of the cranks (Fig. 12), as shown by arrows, and when the clutch is engaged this motion is transmitted to shaft 83 via the splining on block 89. 'Ihis reciprocal motion might be multiplied by gearing. The profile edges of the change lgears may be chamfered sufficiently to insure meshings thereof.

' In Fig. 13 a wheel 95 has nine equally-spaced holders 92, saidy holders holding adjustable cam prongs 93 by thumb screws as shown. The disc or wheel 95 is graduated with index markings along each of the prongs 93 to correspondwith positions indicated by the pointers 94. Lever 9| has an offset cam blade which falls in the line of travel of the prongs 93, so that the prongs which are intermittently turned to successively operate said lever 9| will automatically set the lever out as far as the prong in contact is set. The control rod 90 joints rod 13 between the gear box and gear changer, see Figures 10 and 13. The wheel 95 makes one-ninth turn for every performance in the active stage, thus. setting the gears for the performances as predeterminedly selected.

See Figures 6 and 8. Electric motor 96 drives balance wheel 98, which balance wheel is freely mounted on a highspeed shaft |02 of the gear reducer |03. A pin 99, secured to a spoke of wheel 98, projects so as to engage a toggle lever |00, which toggle is provided With a jointing therein buckled by a spring One end of this short lever |00 is fixedly secured to the end of the shaft |02, the pin 99 presses againstthe toggle, driving said shaft |02, with the balance wheel now engaged thereby on its shaft. Undue load on said shaft |02 causes the toggle to break, the pin 99 then has lost its holt thereby permitting the wheel 98 to run idly until the toggle is again reset, thus protecting the machine, and protecting the merchandise from crushing or breakage in the event of any disruption of the cycle of operations.

A gear reduction unit |03 operated by a motor 96, the latter being a synchronous motor for synchronous duty in cases where it is imperative as elsewhere hereinafter described, is arranged to gear the cams 29 and 49 down tosay less than one R. P. M. The spur gears |04 and |05 are interchangeably mounted to change the cam speed at will. Reducer |03 is mounted on bracket 21, the bracket being branched out to be clamped lby studs between the reducer unit |03 and the bosses shown of the base 25. It is anticipated to f make one unit of the reducer, motor, the bracket 21 and base 25, to serve as a housing and support for the rest of the structure of the display unit. A cooling fan on the motor may be used to keep the entire machine ventilated.

The general chassis is enclosable in a reproof steel case made of a pan |06 having hinged front and rear doors |01, |01, Fig. 8, said doors having flanges to lock into the end doors |08, |08. See Fig. 14. Said case is mounted on casters |09, reenforced by angle-iron H0, and a steel cover |39 (Fig. 16) is provided for shipping purposes.

See Figures 14 and 15. Holders IH comprise tubes welded vertically into the corners of the machine case having insertable stop pins ||2 as shown. vA rod framework designated by the reference numerals ||3 I3 (Fig. 15) makes a box frame which is supported at the holders by pins H2. ported from said structure shown. By pulling pins H2 said frame H3 is permitted to collapse, for folding the machine.l Over this frame H3 a changeable canvas cover H4 is hung, when the machine is set up for use, said coverhaving aperture H for signs which are to appear therethrough, and having an aperture in the place The guide rods B5-65, are also sup.

where the elevator projects the articles andr article supports through the top of the machine.l

Obviously this can be made into a light foldable structure, the accessories like the cover, H4 may be placed in the cover |39, and the unit may be transported or stored in its protecting case, Fig. 16.

See Figures 8, 14, and 15. AA disc |6 of wood or metal is mounted on a hub H1; which hub, has equally-spaced dogs I8 Xed thereto, is mounted to rotate on an axis H9, between the machine chassis and front door |01. A guiding clasp assists in spacing the'disc H6 and holds `it from overrunning; furtherrguides |2| receive the disc around its periphery to space the same, as shown.

To actuate this disc H6 which is provided to carry signs. to appear in aperture H5, a crank |22 is adjustably fixed to the end of-shaft 28, driving a connecting rod |23 which rides in a guide and which intermittently turns the disc H6, one-ninth of a turn each time the crank |22 makes a revolution--the rod |23 engages the dogs H8 as shown, Fig. 14.

See Figures 6 and 14. Lever |24 actuated `by the pin |25, which pin is screwed into the web of gear |05, pushes and operates rod |26, and spring |21, and provides a reciprocal motion having a spring return. The cord or cable |28 tied to spring |21 operates through eyelets |29-|29, and actuated bellcrank |30, Figs. 14 and 15, as shown. A wire-frame |3| having a black velvet slip-on cover or such, operates pivotally on brackets |32 so as to act as an operable closure over the elevator shaft aperture. A lever subtends down to coincide with bellcrank |30, this lever is secured to |3| and a light spring |34 is mounted thereon which tends to keep the door 3| upright and open. A cord or cable |33 connects this door or closure |3| with the crank |30 as shown, so that when the' lever 24 is engaged by pin |25, Fig. 6,

the closure |3| is closed down over the aperture,

or over its equivalent.

supports are elevated, and having an annular skirt over the framework circumferential rim. This dome rests freely over the elevator shaft with its aperture alignedooincidental with the elevator aperture on the cover H4, and is centered by the annular flangedv guide |39, Figs. 14 and 15. Figure 14 shows, by dotted lines, the path of an article support 2 in the elevator shaft from panel to the said dome. The article supports lock into clips |31 temporarily while elevated, which clips have a guiding effect to fit the dome carefully over the article support, coincidental with the aperture, and concealing the table frog 3 and mechanism therewith. The objects are thus displayed on the dome, and when the table 3 turns the dome turns producing the turntable effect.

As the object is elevated by the elevator shaft it touches the closure |3|, this upward push causes the closure to open freely, but it is not opened by the spring before, because the weight of the closure is slightly more than the tension of the spring |34. Once the closure begins to open the spring |34 pulls it to full open position slightly ahead of theobject which is then brought into display position.` Said closure then becomes an immediate background for the objectdisplay, being a soft black velvet. In addition a sign in back of the closure |3| is now covered by the closure, which sign appears when the object has gone down and the closure has closed.

The foregoing descriptions have related to the construction and operative details of an integral object display device which, when further correlated with other apparatus forms a more integral combination, producing a far more complete and newer and better result, in meeting the requirements of the objects of this invention. The object display, sign coordination therewith; changes of the displays, display motions, and combinations, demonstration means, and facilities for their practical use have been described. Similar characters of reference referred to similar parts and portions throughout the several views of the drawings asis customarily done.

In further reference to the drawings Figures l' and 18 show a sound reproducer which provides the sales talks that are needed for producing sales, with. the showing and demonstrating of objects. A case |43 has' hangers |44 and resilient legs |45'. A motor |46 is centrally mounted on said case |43 vwith an appropriate turntable |41 operably mounted thereon in arrangement with an air-column sound reproducer |48. An additional motor |49, of suiicient starting torque, is shown, having a windlass |50 arranged to wind and unwind a cable or cord which cord works through pulleys |52, |52, and is connected to a hinged bar |53 having a weight |54 at its extreme free end. When motor |49 is temporarily energized the windlass |50 pulls upward on the free end of bar |53 thus forming an incline; which incline being formed under the reproducer element laterally as shown causes the reproducer column |48 to be lifted and to slide down the so formed incline to the starting position of the record arranged for. 'Ihe motor |49 then becomes disenergized, having been only momentarily energized, and the weight |54 plus the weight of the reproducer element |48 pulls the bar |53 down against theinertia of the motor armature into horizontal position to permit the reproducer to travel on the record' |51. The bracket |69 supports the horn |55 and column |48. 'Notethat inFig. 1'7

the rear side of case .|43is shown removed. In l Fig. 18 the top ofthecase should be assumed transparent. A hinged door |56 is provided for inserting andremoving records, A door |58 provides needlephan'ging access'.

- A.member|.59 mounted to swivel on a pin |60 vfprjects between twol prongs of switch IBL-Figs.

18 ,and 19, 'which switch pivots over a* center vpin 162 andv is a movable contact which closes '70",

andl operisftheY circuits through fixed Contact |'63-Lthefreproducer column |48 rides Within the saddleof member |59 causing said member .|59

to actuate theclosing oithe said switch when the record hasbeen' played,l which switch closing causes motor |49 to be momentarily energized causing the described action of column |48 which now operates |59 reversely causing the switch to be snapped open. Fig. 19 shows a sectional view of this repeat switch. Spring 1| givesltoggle action to the switch.

An'additional switch |64 is arranged to be used when the repeater switch is not used. A

. projection |68 extends from the column 48 which actuates the opening of switch blade |65 from blade |66, opening the circuit of motor |46 with which thisswitch is in series. When the reproducer is lifted over to the start of the record, spring. |61 closes blade |65 to |66, and motor |46 is thus started and run.

In the needle door |58 a gage rod |10 is slidably aixed to set the stop feature thereon which causes the reproducer to be stopped at the starting point of the record, where the reproducer is let down by the windlass |50 as described.

See Figure 14. The pushrod |26 in guide |16 has a pawl operating ratchet wheel |12,*to which wheel is secured an offset arm |13 coincidentally engaging a movable contact |14 on each revolution of the Wheel |12, said movable contact |14 having a pin extending therefrom at its outer tip for the arm |13 to act upon sharply in time and action, to cause a circuit to be closed and opened within the time that the said wheel has operated one tooth or one-ninth revolution.l A stationary contact |15 is thereby acted upon. The blade |14 is here made of spring brass and mounted tangentially across the face of the wheel |12 to hold said wheel xedly between y perations of the pawl |26-the teeth of the heel do not close the switch, and the wheel is mounted on insulation. This switch closes momentarily, and is a remote control switch for correlated apparatus and the sound reproducer, acting as a synchronizing switch for the automatic sound reproducer described.

Apparatus for the synchronous recording of records for use in the synchronizable sound reproducer will now be described. In Fig. 20 a translucent printed form having title and instructions heading, |11, having nine rectangular divisions ruled thereon each of which are ruled into five subdivisions, each of which subdivisions are ruled with blank space lines, is inserted in a slot between the case |18 and the lid |19. The case |18 has partitions |80 and |8| corresponding to the spaces on the form |11, and within such spaces has small electric light bulbs |82 wired separately for individual lightings thereof. 'I'he lid |19 is anged to fit tightly and to lock on to the case |18, the upper ilange being cut away to provide a slot for sheet |11.

Figures 22 and 23. The distributor for the wiring to the forty-five lamps |82 has forty-ve vsegments |85 for individualvconnections to said lamps.

The brush shaft |81 is geared or connected to synchronize with the recording stylus feed screw of the studio apparatus where records vare made or recorded, softhiatl the brush |88 will contact all segments' |85 which are designed or arranged to be passed over in synchronism with th'e movement of the said recording stylus, in

vtimewith the progress made in .the progress of recording. Such segments correspond in lengths Y ofarcs and order to the partitioned spaces of the is greater than the four succeeding spaces, the

arcs |85 correspond in the arrangements. These partitions |8| are slidable to adjust the spacings to correspond to the form |17. The segments |85 are interchangeable and made up of die cut laminations so that the proper corresponding lengths of arcs can be arranged on same to lalso correspond with form |11. Mica laminations are insertable between the distributor segments to divide the spacing as required.

Section 2 2, Fig. 22, is shown in Fig. 23. The distributor housing |83 has an annular ring |84 in its bottom and the cover i9! has a similar ring |84 oppositely aligned. The outside flange of housing |83 forms an outside ring to contain the segments |85; and is lined withA insulation or made of Bakelite, similarly to cover |9l. The housing |83 has a graduated scale on the rim of the outside ring to mark oif or indicate where the mica lamination stampings, which are of a shape adapted to fit the housing receiver, are to be placed for gaging the light timing. The partitions |80 of the light-box are also graduated, to correspond with graduations on the distributor. Cover |9| has' aicentral hole with a brush wiper terminal |90, this cover is held in place by clips |92 and locks the laminations |85 therein, as shown in Figure 23.

The base H86 supports the distributor which may be mounted on the recording machine where shaftll is adapted by appropriate means to operate at a speed synchronous with the recording operation, this may be geared direct to the recording feed elements. The circuits are made through the segments from the brush |90 to and through the respective lamps described. An annular aperture is provided by the space |89, between the housing |83 and cover |9|, for distributing the wire conductors from the segments |85. These wires may be pinched between laminations or attached to some of the laminations.

The first major space (Fig. 20) shows the lines in blank, on form lll, upon which words for 'recording are to be written. All spaces contain these blanks, equally spaced, so that the number of words per space are proportional directly to the space size and the time element. In practice the manuscript is written in time stages, corresponding to the developments with which it is to be synchronized. 'Ihe recording process is designed therefore to act specifically in unison,

integrally with the correlated and dependentapparatus. The manuscript is read off in the recording studio in synchronism with the illumination or showing of the text matter as described, so that the talk is distributed over the record in accurate synchronous timing.

Fig. 24 is the wiring diagram layout. The alternating current is obtained through a convenience receptacle plug |93; hand switch |94 controls the feed to the machine apparatus; dotted outline refers to the display unit as of Fig. 14. Terminal block |96 has a condenser |91 shunted across the main circuitfor elimination of interference with nearby radios. ferred to in Fig. '7 to elevator 3, is shown as |98 former; 200, a neon lighting' transformer; 20|, a control switch for the sound reproducer; 202 refers to a three-prong convenience receptacle for the sound reproducer apparatus, two `wires being the power feed of which the neutral is a common return and the third wire is lthe synchronizing wire; 203 is ay double-pole doublethrow switch for changing the sound control from The wiring l'I6 re- .of this diagram, |99 being a 110`/6volt transf relations remain constant but are adjustable, the

intermittent synchronizing to straight repeat;

204 is an electric pickup for the sound reproducer; 205, the repeat switch as of Fig. 19; 206, 206, are receptacle plugs for the amplifier pickup and power circuits for use when the pickup 204 is substituted for the air-column reproducer; 201 is the amplier unit; 208, the loudspeaker. The dotted outline |43 refers to the sound reproducer unit shown in Fig. 18. Various other apparatus may be attached in timely or synchronous relation.

Numeral 209 ref/ers to decorative backgrounds and arrangements 2|2, 2|2, are sign cards on which indicium are shown related to the indicium on the signs of i6, together with signs not shown on the said revoluble element.

Neon or gas-tube lighting may be used bordering segregated features of the machinel or display,-say a circle of tubing behind and outlining frame 35 (Fig. 14); similar lighting bordering the aperture H; a background 209 similarly set oi, and an outline of the machine. An electrical distributor may be geared to the machine to control such lighting (Fig. 22), for correlated and synchronous applications. Such lighting in Various colors may also be controlled by the distributor; it is within the spirit of this invention to at times have independent shelves or supports with objects thereon focused upon o-r set oi by lights, on the sides of the machine, or all over the window if wanted, controlled by a synchronized distributor energized from the Voltage desired; and the sound reproducer synchronized to cooperate; said shelves might be turntables, and cooperating signs may be arranged therewith under the influence of said lights.

Operations Figure 25 shows the machine set up, at a store.

The motor 96 operates cam shaft 28 say at accurately two revolutions per minute. Cam 29 raises'the elevator in stage A, with a movement simulating a courteous appealing presentation simulating a clever salesman. During this raising action the levers l5, |5 are moved toward the front, pawl 8 lling vacancy I, the lever 34 having pulled up on link 46 operating bellcrank 41 and by link 48 pulling the levers I5, I5, forward; the closure |3| has opened, the object is on display and is now being demonstrated, if it is the searchlight |42 the wiring is energized as described, the searchlight is in operation; immediately below, the sign in aperture ||5, has Visual descriptive matter relating to the object, at the same timea synchronous sales talk relates to each feature of the searchlight as it is turned around and the features shown, this talk being audible at the place Where the prospects are looking at the display. Additional objects elsewhere in the windows are illuminated and referred to, halos of lights of various colors setting off thesearchlight on the dome |35.

The cam 49 now advances the lever 52 operating .slide I1, pawl I0 pulling article supports filling clearance on the other side of A.

Cam 29 has now turned to where the elevator is and tubing collapse or fold, the levers I5, I5 reverse at the same time causing pawl 3 to vacate C and filling D, resetting pawl 8; during this time the catch 10 keeps the elevator and turntable in alignment for the descent. Now the dowels 63 are unlocked while the article support'rests on the panel, the circuitspto the turntable are opened by the timing of the distributor thereto, the closure 3| is pulled closed by means of lever |24 pulling cord |29, The crank |22 now pushes rod |23 against dog I8, the sign changes in aperture H5, the lever I 24 operates rod |26 setting the sound reproducer controll one-ninth tu/rn ahead, rod 90 sets gear box 'l2 for the next display, and meantime the distributor sets off other objects with lights while the talks refer to them;l slide |1 reverses, pawl transfers the front supports 2, vacating I, filling C, and transferring a new display into the stage A, While pin 23 engaged finger 2| forcing thearticle support in B to provide the clearance later required for elevator descent between B and A, and rack 55 moved into its guide resetting the turntable rack driving means. The cam 29 now again elevates the turntable 3, the counterbalance 43 assisting in lifting the elevator, while the article support in stage A is locked to the elevator, the levers l5, I5 are co-acting, the closure |3| is again touched and opened, and new displays and demonstrations of objects are 'performed one after the other, With special audible talks and appropriate combinations exercised, a new display every 30 seconds, for av series of nine.

Every nine revolutions of shaft 28' all article supports have been displayed, the momentary contact |14 has been made and broken to start the sound reproducer automatically synchronously for the' series. The'switch 203 is closed to the right, switch 20| is alive, at every operation'of contact |14, which occurs once in the series of displays, the windlass |50 is operated resetting the reproducer, in synchronism with the displays. This synchronism is maintained accurately by the use of synchronous motors, 96 and |46. I In this present Aage municipal governments have tried to regulate the use of sound apparatus in business districts of cities, in so doing have prohibited rather than regulated, for the reasons that the sound advertising such as public address systems has been a deterrent to traic regulation and construed as a public nuisance. I overcome this fault in the use of sound in my operations by the u'se of decent modulated controlled and focused limited street sound apparatus to induce cities not to overtax the most effective business recovery means, and to also encourage eiilcient and proper merchandising machinery usage, this is done by having the sound apparatus no louder than is necessary at the location where it is to be. heard, having the horn |55 directed in the direction in which the -sound is to fall, having a muiiler on the horn, or distributing the sound from inside of the window glass preferably by an armature connection from a loudspeaker to the glass, using the window as a diaphragm, using a padding against the glass to overcome crystallization or shattering, or having the sound reproducer mounted inside ofthe display unit where space therefor has been provided. Control is further provided in the sound reproducer'by reason' of the fact that when sales are to be intelligently effected there must not be too much talking, silent intervals should be given,

this is effected by running some of the displays silently at will using only the sign description means during these intervals, by say using a two-minute recording which terminates itself by opening switch |64 and is restarted only when the series of displays are renewed, ora distributor in the sound reproducer control circuit may open this circuit for periodic intervals while shaft 28 geared-down to the distributor operates. These intervals of silence also save records, as well as disperse crowds, and appease the public at times, as well as form new crowds when the soundagain is in operation. A special synchronizing bar may be adapted laterally under the column |48, which is axially mounted alongside of bar |53, having V-cuts along its length, to which a knife-edge protrusion under the column |48 is adapted, such protrusion seating in the V-cutswhen this synchronizing bar is turned up by an actuating means, thus the reproducer could be lifted at the end of each individual display and when let down again the reproducer would be centered in the V-cut over whichA it last had been to synchronize sharply with that display, then travelling over the record over the next V-cut for the next interval and synchronization'.

'Ihe objects show from a wide angle of view on top of the dome, the crowd tends to spread'out along the window where it not only can see they objects on display' but can also hear the talks and does not tend therefore to form an apex out across the sidewalkto obstruct pedestrian trafc, but also is comforted in not having to crane and strain and crowd to benetfrom the display.

The remote control synchronizing switch and the repeat control switch may be wired to cooperate with each other in their joint use.

A large department store may have any number of display machines in distributed locations, similar in all respects with similar series of similar displays, all operated synchronously with synchronous motors, with but one automatic synchronizable sound reproducer synchronized to one of the synchronized display units, and the sound may be delivered to the proximities of the displays by a plurality of loudspeakers wired from amplifying units fed by the sound reproducer. Microphones might be connected to feed in personal talks at intervals. Radio broadcasts may be connected into this system.

While talk-back recording in the field may be used, the pure durable electric recordings of the studio may be operated in thesedisplay setups,

the manuscript of the talk-1 is typed at the displaymans oiloe in collaboration with psychologists and sales engineers` and sent to the recording studio where the described manuscript synchronizer or synchroscope is employed, with the use of the form |11. j

When the display unit described first brings an article to display the front view is usually shown first, then with the use of the lturntable a side view is shown, then 4the rear view, the .other side and again the front, at which time the article goes downward from view; in the recording of the record each of the nine major divisions of the text matter on |11 refer-severally to the Objects, on the article supports, series a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, and i, to each respectively, and in the same order; the subdivisions of the text of |11 refer chronologically to the different positions or views or rfeatures of the objects or demonstrations such as front view, side view, rear and so on as related, therefore the timing is taken into account relative to the display unit activity and the words are supplied to the form l'l'l in accurate relation and synchronism'with the analyzed activities, all of which are predetermined.

The case (Fig. 16) being collapsed, will pass through narrow doors and windows. In installing the apparatus it is located and the display element opened up, the cover H4 is placed, merchandise pads are loaded into th article Supports in the magazine therefor, the prepared signs are fastened to the sign carrier H6, which sign carrier is hinged in the case in such a manner as to fold when not in use, and the sign carrier is inserted or placed in its place in the machine. The sound reproducer is loaded with a synchronous record, hung up and wired., a permanent needle is installed, the dome H35,

vcover I i4, signs 2|2, 212, background 209, neon lights,.electric distributor and other features are lined up and adjusted; then the machine is switched on, or a time-switch is connected, to run it at the long hours of duty even after the store has closed.

Obviously many attachments are now easily anticipated, which the mechanics can adapt. Reference is made to my previous patent applications: Ser'. No. 122,442, led July 14, 1926, for

Automatic advertising machir Ser. No. 141,220, filed Oct. l2, 1926, for Educational, amusement, or advertising devices; Ser. No. 293,137. led July 16, 1928, for Sales arcades; and joint-inventor applications, Nos. D-74,732 and 188,5991/2 filed in 1938. Application' Serial No. 251,974, filed Jan. 20, 1939, for Display machinery, which is a full continuation in part of this (above entitled) application.

Obviously there are many modifications to this invention. I do not desire to be limited to the specific form shown. Most any objects can be adaptably displayed within the principles of this invention. Therefore, the scope I claim is broad; the objects of this invention appear to be met and provided for.

I claim:

1. The combination, of an automatic educational or sales machine for displaying and demonstrating articles of merchandise, means for periodically displaying objects, and automatic sound reproducing means for giving sales or educational talks synchronized With said displaying means.

2. 'I'he combination, of an automatic educational or sales machine for displaying and demonstrating articles of merchandise, means for periodically displaying objects, and automatic sound reproducing means for giving sales or educational talks lsynchronized with said displaying means, and cooperative means for showing signs for imparting visual knowledge about said articles.

3. In apparatus of the class described, a pre-A determined synchronized sound recording, means for automatically displaying or demonstrating objects and automatic means for synchronizing the predetermined synchronized sound recording with the display means.

4.- In apparatus of the class described, an automatic sound reproducer, a sound record having a synchronized' sales talk recorded thereon,

-means for synchronizing the recording, automatic displayor demonstrating means for displaying or demonstrating objects, and means for synchronizing the sound reproducer with the clisplay or demonstrating means.

5. In apparatus of the class described, a support carrying an article, means for bringing various features of the said article sequentially to View, sound reproducing means relating to the features of the article, and means synchronizing the sound reproducing means with the means for sequentially bringing features of the article to view.

6. In apparatus of the class described, a plurality of supports, carrying articles; means fo-r bringing each of the supports separately to view for demonstrating the articles individually, means for bringing various features of each article sequentially to View, sound reproducing means relating to the features of the articles, and means synchronizing the sound reproducing means with the means for bringing each of the supports to view and with the means for bringing various features of each article sequentially to View.

7. In apparatus of the class described, .a conveyor having a plurality of article supports, sound l reproducing means relating to articles carried by the supports, and means synchronizing the sound reproducing means With the article support conveyor for audibly referring to or describing the article carried by a specific support.

8. In apparatus of the class described, a plurality of platforms arranged to be brought to view individually, platforms having electrical connecting means so constructed and arranged as to electrify electrical apparatus placed on such platforms, and sound reproducing means relating to the electrical connections and synchronized therewith in the demonstration of merchandise on said platforms.

9. In apparatus of the class described, a plurality of supportsfor supporting articles of merchandise, lighting means for illuminating each of said supports in sequence, means for describing each of the articles on said article supports in sequence' when the same are illuminated, and means synchronizing the article describing means. with the illuminating means for eifecting illumination of the article described.

10. In an apparatus of the class described, an automatic display mechanism, an .automatic sound reproducer, said sound reproducer being so constructed and arranged as to be automatically remotely controllable, and synchronizing means in said display mechanism for controlling the sound reproducer.

11. In apparatus of the class described, an electric motor driving a conveyor, an electric motor operating a sound reproducer, with means for synchronizing the actions of the two motors.

12. In apparatus of the class described, an automatic display mechanism, an automatic sound reproducing means, synchronizing means, and means for deliveringgthe sound from said sound reproducing means :to any suitable position of location relative to said display mechanism.

13. In apparatus of the class described, a hori- Cil 16. In a machine of the class described, automatic means for displaying or demonstrating objects, automatic means for changing motions to be imparted-to the objects to be displayed or demonstrated, and calibrated manual means for setting the latter automatic means described.

17. In a machine of the class described, a collapsible enclosure, and a collapsible article conveyor mechanism flxedly mounted therein, said mechanism being expansible with the enclosurefor periodic display, outside of the enclosure, o1

articles carried by the conveyor when expanded.

18'. In apparatus of the class described, a conveyor having a plurality o1' article supports,

- means in connection therewith for displaying one of said supports at a time, sound reproducing means relating to the articles carried by the supports, and means synchronizing the sound reproducing means with the article support conveyor for audibly referring to or describing the article displayed.

19. In apparatus of the class described, a conveyor having a plurality of article supports, a second conveyor synchronized with the former conveyor and provided with display signs, designated signs being related to and capable ot 9 being displayed with the article carried by the corresponding support, sound reproducing means relating to articles carried by the supports, and

means synchronizing the sound reproducing means with the article support conveyor for audibly referring to or describing the article carried by a speciic support.

20. In apparatus of the class described, a conveyor having a pluralityl of article supports, means in connection therewith for displaying one of said supports at a time, a second conveyor synchronized with the former conveyor and provided with display signs relating to the articles carried by the supports, sound reproducing means relating to articles carried by the supports, and means synchronizing the sound reproducing means with the article support conveyor for audibly referring to or describing the article displayed.

21. In apparatus .of the class described, a conveyor having a plurality of article supports, means in connection therewith for displaying one of said supports at a time, a second conveyor synchronized with the former conveyor and provided with display signs, designated signs being related' to and capable of being displayed with the article carried by the corresponding support, sound reproducing means relating to the articles carried'by the supports, and means synchronizing the sound reproducing means with the article support conveyor for audibly refer.. ring to or describing the article displayed.

ofr'ro HENRY scHoENBEanEa. 

